John Dugdill & Co. Horizontal Engine

Horizontal single-cylinder engine and dynamo made by John Dugdill and Co Ltd, Old Road, Failsworth, Manchester, 1890. Slide valve, power output 3 horsepower.

This engine drove a dynamo to light the window of Dugdale's shop in Bolton. In the 1890s, electric lighting was new. Bright electric light would have drawn the attention of customers. John Dugdill and Co Ltd was an electrical engineering company which specialised in fitting electric lighting in shops.

This engine has a relatively large flywheel for the small size of the engine because it was used to generate electricity. The flywheel stores energy and produces the steady motion required to drive a dynamo and produce a steady electric current. Last worked in 1894, prior to installation at the museum.